As spring arrives, many take the opportunity to declutter, organize, and deep clean their homes, welcoming the warmer weather and a sense of renewal after the winter months. However, for those living with chronic conditions, this annual tradition poses additional challenges, serving as a reminder of the limitations they face daily. In a recent #CreakyChats session titled “Springing Forward: Balancing Tasks and Energy with Chronic Illness,” our community members explored the seasonal impact of cleaning and organizing tasks at home. They shared how they prioritize tasks based on energy level ..read more

Daily tasks had become unbearable due to the pain and weakness in my left hand. I struggled to hold a plate with one hand or to cut food with a knife. Simple activities like getting dressed or gripping an envelope caused significant pain in my left thumb and wrist. Given the amount of typing my job required, I could no longer manage with just ice packs or wrist braces for my basal thumb joint. I had reached a breaking point and needed a more effective treatment strategy.  For years, I had placed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia at the top of my treatment plan, while osteoart ..read more

Ableism is a form of discrimination that is often less discussed but equally important as sexism, racism, homophobia, and other widespread prejudices. It involves the systematic discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion of individuals with disabilities. This discrimination is based on the belief that certain abilities are superior and should be considered normal, while having a disability is viewed as inferior and abnormal. Notably, anyone can become part of the disabled community at any time, and this community includes about 25 percent of the population. This makes it the largest marginal ..read more

Gardening brings me joy and helps me live a more fulfilling life while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). When I tell people I garden, it’s met with various responses. Some are impressed, some are judgmental, and some are genuinely interested. Little do they know that gardening not only saved me from a very deep depression when I was first diagnosed with RA over 10 years ago, but it brings me more joy than I ever could have expected. When I was first diagnosed with RA, my life was forever changed. I couldn’t care for my young son, I couldn’t keep up at my physically demanding job as a ..read more

When you see or hear the word mindfulness, what do you visualize? If your mind instantly pictures someone sitting in a dimly lit room meditating, you’re not alone. There is a widespread myth about mindfulness being the same as meditation.    While meditation is a component of mindfulness, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Mindfulness can be defined as the state of being fully present and aware in the current moment, without judgment or attachment. It involves intentionally directing one’s attention to the present experience, observing thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the su ..read more

Credit: Eileen Davidson On April 8th, 2015, my life took an irrevocably turn upon receiving a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the pain I experienced didn’t start at that moment; I had been suffering for quite some time before obtaining my diagnosis. The delay was contributed to numerous factors: my youth, my seemingly healthy appearance, the misconceptions and stigma surrounding arthritis and invisible illnesses, as well as my lack of self-advocacy skills. I lacked the courage to seek out what was wrong with me until it got bad. Undeniably, a chronic illness diagnosis like ..read more

You’re probably well-acquainted with the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), like stiffness and pain in the upper arms, neck, lower back, and thighs. But here’s something you might not know: People with PMR are also susceptible to bone weakness. “We know that PMR classically affects an elderly population that already might have certain conditions, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes,” says rheumatologist Anisha Dua, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Rheumatology at Northwestern University. “Of course, when we add steroids on top of that, we’re i ..read more

The journey to a polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) diagnosis can be long, but it’s an important one to take. Because this condition has symptoms that overlap with several other diseases, doctors must often use a process of elimination to rule out other causes until a diagnosis is reached. Receiving the correct diagnosis is crucial for easing your symptoms with the right treatment and care as quickly as possible. Here’s what to know about PMR and the conditions that share similar symptoms. Understanding Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)  PMR symptoms typically begin quickly and are more pronounc ..read more

If you have a chronic condition — or are a caregiver for a loved one with a chronic condition — being engaged in your care means staying up to date on research. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together the latest health-related news and patient-centered studies to keep you informed so you can better manage your condition and advocate for better care.  In this month’s round-up, we’ll discuss COVID vaccine updates, new patient guidelines for irritable bowel disease as well as psoriatic arthritis, potential benefits of caffeine, and the link between rheumatoid arthritis and depression.&n ..read more

Credit: Eileen Davidson Meal prepping can be an excellent strategy to promote healthy eating, save time, and alleviate pain and fatigue associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Especially during evenings when symptoms peak and fatigue becomes debilitating, the task of making food and preparing meals can be daunting. Meal prepping allows you to take action and proactively address these challenges. By planning and preparing meals in advance, you ensure that nutritious ingredients are readily available, reducing the temptation to order expensive, potentially inflammatory foods. Additionally ..read more